A/N: Thanks as usual to my beta, sidekicks-anonymous, for her work on this chapter!
CHAPTER 4
THE AUTOBOTS RETURN: PART 4
"There's no way I can get through that vent."
Nick stared despondently at the small vent Sideswipe had shown him. He didn't like the idea of squeezing through it to try and get to the other side.
"I have faith in you, boy. You've got spirit, or you wouldn't be alive right now." Sideswipe encouraged him. "And if you don't get to the other side and deactivate these bars, we are very much dead."
Nick glanced at the electric bars, and frowned. He had a feeling that Sideswipe was right about that. He crossed his arms and breathed in quietly. What did he even have to lose anymore? He had no parents, he lived on the streets. If he died no one would miss him. "O-Ok I'll try. But I don't know... I'm just, I'm claustrophobic." Nick breathed.
"Afraid of tight spaces, huh?" Nick nodded as Sideswipe looked at him gently. "You'll be OK. Just remember it's either tight spaces or death. Tell me which is worse."
Good point. Even so, he shivered as Sideswipe lifted him, careful to stand away from the cameras. He knew he had very little time to get into the vent, with the bars that he could just barely squeeze through. But after a moment, he crawled through, fear bested by his own will to live. He made his way slowly along. The vents were as compact as he had expected. He felt his fingers tightening into a fist, his body trembling. Fear was building up in his stomach just from moving two inches from Sideswipe's view.
"Nicholas, why have you stopped moving?"
Nick ignored the fact he'd somehow come to the conclusion of his full name. He was more focused on his pure terror at the moment. His mind wandered as he tried to crawl through...
He remembered the closet well—that was the reason he was afraid of closed spaces. He remembered how his mom would bring home all kinds of men after his dad left. He remembered how they'd locked him inside to keep him from spoiling their fun. On one particular night, he remembered her boyfriend had encouraged him to go in, like Sideswipe had. He'd told him it'd only be for a few minutes, and that had turned into two hours.
He closed his eyes, trying hard to get a hold of himself. He wasn't in the closet; he was going to get out of there. But none of that helped get him moving.
"Nick, listen to me..." Sideswipe spoke from behind him. "You're a brave kid, I can tell that. You need to do your best to ignore where you are, and keep moving. I don't think it will be very far."
Nick didn't think so, either. He could see an exit several feet away. He didn't know that it was that exact exit he needed, but he was hoping so. But he still panicked. "You don't understand—I can't do this! It feels like the closet! It feels like that closet I used to get stuffed in." There was a silence as Nick's choked words reached Sideswipe. "I can't do this... I'm not brave! I'm a chicken! I act tough, but most of the time I'm a chicken, OK? I can't do this..."
There was still silence, and then finally, Sideswipe spoke up. "I don't understand exactly what you mean. But I do know how I get past something when I'm scared." Nick turned back to look at him. "Think of the thing that makes you happiest. Imagine that at the end of the vent... Imagine that this is all leading you to them, or to it."
Nick closed his eyes, trying to keep his mind on something. What could he imagine? His happiest days had been when his family had been together. Before his dad left, his mom turned to alcohol and sleazy men, and before he was in the system.
"Nick, if my calculations of their routine are correct we have less than ten minutes." Nick frowned a bit. "You need to either move back here, or go forward..."
Nick shook his head, and finally found something in his mind to latch onto. His family—not the family that he and his parents had been before everything went to hell, but the family he always wished for: a happy, smiling one. With every ounce of strength he had, he crawled, keeping his eyes closed in order to pretend he wasn't in a vent at all.
Finally, he felt metal grating on his fingers. He took a deep breath, and grinned, opening his eyes. To his surprise, and horror, however, it didn't lead where they wanted it to. He paused, looking down at the unfamiliar room, then back at Sideswipe. "Sideswipe! I don't think the vent leads outside, it's-."
"Where's the human!?"
Nick's head turned back at the sound of the mech that had been called Blitzwing. He put his hands over his mouth, trying to keep calm. What if they found him? Was this how he would die?
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Sideswipe spat, or at least, that's what he heard. "I won't tell you a thing."
The sound of him getting thrown against the wall made Nick tremble. "Don't worry, we'll find him." He heard Shockwave's voice carry. "The child could not have gotten far."
Nick thought fast. He kicked the metal grating hard—once, twice. Finally, like most vent grating would, it collapsed open. Falling down, he found himself hitting a surface. Though it hurt, it ended up being a platform near the hall outside. Taking a deep breath, he slid down the clear table's leg, and began to hustle. He knew he didn't have much time, and he had to help Sideswipe.
Going back wouldn't help, he figured. He'd just be crushed or worse. He took a deep breath, thankful to be out of the vent, and tried to think of his next move. He had to find himself, and hopefully Sideswipe, an exit. And he had to find it fast.
"What is he waiting for?"
Optimus had the same question he began inspecting his jet pack for flight. He hadn't actually used it much on Cybertron, so it was in need of a once-over if he was going to fly to the Nemesis II. "I don't know, but I also don't like it. I had expected they were going to send some sort of message about Nick by now at least." He added. "Megatron's too quiet, especially given he has a giant warship overhead."
Ratchet shook his head. "This is undoubtedly a trap. Message or no message, he's luring you into a fight with that boy. And I don't want to know why he's not already firing."
"I think it's more than that." Optimus shook his head. "Nick was supposed to keep us at bay. I think Megatron's run into some sort of snag in that plan... Hopefully."
"If that's so, that can get you an in. Hopefully to take him out." Ratchet agreed. "But I don't like the idea of you going up there alone, Prime. It's dangerous and reckless."
Optimus nodded his head, though he was unsure of who else could go with him. Optimus shook his head after a moment, and then turned to look back at the sound of footsteps approaching. Of course, Bulkhead was the one standing there listening to them. "I'll tag along, boss bot."
"There's no way Optimus could fly you up there!" Ratchet replied. "That's insane."
Bulkhead smiled at that, a smile that Ratchet was not a fan of the look of. "Ah, but I have that invention we talked about. The ground bridge." Ratchet was silent, liking the idea even less. "Look, Doc Bot. I know it's untested. But the 'Cons would never see it coming!"
"You're really pushing a bad idea here, Bulkhead. While you're quite good with space bridges, this idea of one that could be used like a 'ground bridge' is experimental." Ratchet rubbed the back of his helm. "What happens if that device of yours malfunctions? It could offline you!"
Bulkhead shook his head, knowing what Ratchet meant. "Yeah, but if it works I can get on board... Maybe find the kid while Prime deals with Megacreep." Bulkhead replied. "What's the worst that could happen, doc bot?"
"Do you want the long or the short version of that list?"
"Whatever we're doing, we have to do it soon." Optimus replied. "Or else Megatron might strike before we're ready."
Ratchet was silent a long, hard minute. But after that, he finally relented, and gave a small nod. He didn't like the idea of them risking their lives. But at this point, they all feared what would happen if they didn't try. "Frag it all, you two had better know what you're doing. If not, I'm the one in charge when Megatron attacks."
Optimus merely nodded, and turned back to Bulkhead. "Now, let's see if this invention of yours actually works..."
They found themselves in Bulkhead's work area a few minutes later. It had taken them a week to reconstruct his working beta version of the ground bridge. But it still looked the same, with the exception of a few raw materials from Earth. A tall, but still smaller version of what would have been a space bridge. It had a much smaller range in addition to its smaller sizes. He hoped it would reach far enough for them to get on board Nemesis II.
Bulkhead turned to look at Optimus as he pushed in the co-ordinates. "We're lucky the ship hasn't budged since it parked up there. We should be able to get up there." He explained. "I'm gonna need someone waiting on the other end when we get Nick, though."
"Sounds like a job for me." They both turned as Ratchet entered the room. "You've been over how it works with me. And if it's not me, then it'll be Bumblebee. And as much as I hate to say it, we need him down here right now..."
Bulkhead nodded, then looked down at the activation panel. It was clear he was nervous, but after a long moment, he lifted a finger. "Alright, here goes nothing."
He pressed the button. For a moment, there was no reaction. And then, finally, it burst to life, almost knocking Bulkhead over in the process. The young mech rubbed the back of his helm, looking up at the now glowing, though smaller space bridge. "Alright! I DID IT! I think?"
"Prime, we don't know how stable that is." Ratchet looked at Optimus. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
Optimus didn't say a thing for a moment, but eventually nodded. "It's our only chance to free Nick. And hopefully figure out what Megatron's got up his sleeve." He replied honestly. "We'll be back, Ratchet. I promise. Just keep your comm link open."
"Will do." Ratchet grunted. "Good luck."
And within another moment, both Optimus and Bulkhead were gone.
"What do you MEAN the human escaped!?"
Nick jumped as he heard the booming voice of Megatron from his throne room. He trembled quietly, hoping he wouldn't be heard.
"I believe that he got out through the ventilation system." Shockwave replied calmly. "We can find him quickly. I'm sure in time for the message—"
"Forget the message. The human's more trouble than it's worth." Nick tensed at those words. "Find it, kill it, and prepare everyone for a battle."
Nick was about to move out of the way of the door when a hand clasped around him. But before he screamed and thrashed, he felt a finger over his mouth. After a moment, he realized the finger was blue, and as he looked up, relief washed over him.
It was Optimus. He was actually here.
The Autobot leader made a quick run to the side as he kept himself quiet. He stopped when they entered an empty room. As he set Nick down, the boy's eyes lit up. "You're here! Wow! I mean, you actually came for me?" Nick asked. "Wow! You're crazy! How did you even get here?"
"That's something I can explain later." Optimus answered. "I see you've been injured. And you're... Not in a cell?"
"This other Autobot helped me get out! His name's Sideswipe... Last time I heard him they were coming for him." Nick shook his head. "We have to help him, Optimus. He probably saved my life."
Optimus shook his head, knowing that Nick was right about that. Though he tried to contain his surprise that he felt at the name he gave. "We're not doing anything. I'm getting you to Bulkhead, and you're going back to Detroit. As for Sideswipe, I'll make sure to help him as well." Optimus replied. "Have you heard anything since you've been here, Nick?"
"A little... Megatron's completely out of his mind! He's going to destroy the whole city!" Nick shook his head, dumbfounded a little bit now that Optimus was asking him for information. "I mean, this city hasn't done much for me. But we still can't let him do that."
"We're not going to." Optimus replied affirmatively. "Bulkhead, I've found Nick. Come to my position and get him out of here."
"Optimus?" The Prime turned his head as Nick spoke up, his eyes staring up at him. "Did you... Did you really come for me?"
Optimus could tell that stunned the boy. Perhaps he'd never known what it was like to have someone who cared about his well-being. Even if it was in a "the human race in general" type of way. "Of course we did, Nick. Like we were just going to leave you in the hands of Megatron. We're the ones that got you into this mess!" Nick shrugged, though he knew it was true. "Now come on, let's roll."
He stepped out into the hallway and was greeted with silence. Though the Autobot wanted to believe this was a good thing, a part of him knew it was a bad sign. "Nick, I want you to stay close to me." He noted, keeping his energon axe at the ready. "I'm sure Bulkhead will get to us in time, but just in case..."
Nick nodded, not wanting to argue that. He'd seen as much one-on-one time with the Decepticons as he ever wanted to. And yet... "I want to help though! I don't like being a liability or anything. So if I can do somethin'..."
Optimus knew that the boy wanted to help. But he also knew that this boy needed to keep safe or they'd yet again put an innocent in danger. "If you can find a way to help without getting yourself hurt, then do it. But try to be smart about it." He tried to not overthink the fact that he sometimes needed that advice himself. "The last thing either of us need is for you to be used as a hostage again."
Nick guessed that was a good point. He jumped at the first sound of footsteps. Optimus' grip on his energon axe also tightened. But within moments, Bulkhead was within sight. "Sorry... It took me so long." Bulkhead huffed. "But we got a problem! My comm isn't functioning anymore. I can't get anything through to Ratchet!"
"What?" Optimus growled lowly. He tried his own comm. There was nothing but static. "Frag it, they know we're here! Bulkhead, take Nick and get him somewhere safe."
"You almost sounded surprised."
Optimus spun around to find that the mech of the hour had graced them with his presence. Megatron had hardly changed from the last time they'd faced one another. Right down to that same, sadistic grin. "This might not have been exactly how I planned to bait you, but it's certainly good enough." Optimus looked around worriedly as he noticed several floating sentries had come from the walls, and surrounded them. "You're trapped just as easily. Like cyber-moth's to a flame."
"If you want to settle your score with me, Megatron, then do it. Let Bulkhead and the child go." Optimus demanded, taking a step forward. "You have what you wanted!"
"Ah, but now I have that and MORE." Megatron sneered. "Now, I suggest you come along without a fight, my dear Optimus. Or it's going to be your friends who pay the price."
Nick swallowed as one of the small, floating bots aimed a gun at him, while nearly a dozen did the same to Bulkhead. However, from the corner of his eye, he could also see that Optimus wasn't going to cooperate. "I know it's been a long time, Megatron, but you're crazy if you think I'm going to do that."
Nick was surprised as Optimus activated his thrusters. He barreled at Megatron before the Decepticon leader could respond. It was a move that even the sentries hadn't seen coming, as most of them had moved. Nick didn't have time to respond, however, as Bulkhead had lifted him up and began to run. "Come on, li'l buddy. Boss Bot will still want me to get you out of here!"
"But Optimus-."
"Trust me kid, he'll be right behind us."
Nick tried to ignore the fact that the fleeing mech didn't seem so sure of himself. He could see the mini sentry-bots that were now turning around to give chase—and that was a far scarier prospect.
The sky literally opened up in Detroit.
It wasn't the actual sky, really, but the bottom of the Nemesis II. But, given that was mostly blocking everyone's view of the sky, the description was fitting. The Autobots that were on the ground watched it with a deep fear of what was coming out. But it was Ratchet came out and shouted that really got their gears grinding. "I've lost contact with Prime and Bulkhead! Is anyone's comm working?"
An attempt by Jazz confirmed what he was afraid of. "I've got nothing, doc bot! I can't even get through to human radio waves!" He shook his head. "What were we hit by an EMP? I didn't feel anything."
"I'm afraid not." Ratchet shook his head. "I don't think this is going to be that easy, knowing Megatron. We need to go and find Captain Fanzone. Everyone needs to be warned."
"On it!" Bumblebee shouted, letting his booster pack slide out. "I'll be there faster than you can say "slag"!"
"Just do it!" Ratchet barked.
But even as the yellow speedster transformed and took off, he could feel fear building up. Especially as the a dozen or so Decepticon drones dropping from the ship came into his line of vision.
A/N: Yes, I'm adding ground bridges into this continuity. I figured in the time between the original and this they'd have probably developed something like it. Though they've had less time to test it so they won't be traveling across continents or anything of the like. At least not yet. We'll see how the technology develops over the story.
